Use the discount code TO22 for 10% discount provided you book before 31st August 2022. Unfortunately this can't be used with any other discount or offer.
10% discount to Time Out readers
A team of storytellers, filmmakers and theatrical practitioners
present two immersive historical adventures.
Escape From The Golden Hinde
From the makers of TripAdvisor's top London escape game, Escape From The Golden Hinde is a live interactive adventure aboard the reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world in the 1570s.
Click HERE to find out more.
Secret Studio London
Secret Studio is TripAdvisor's No 1 escape game in London. It's an exciting retro-themed mystery set in a haunted film studio beneath the dark streets of old London town. Keep your wits about you and you might just escape the cutting room floor!
Click HERE to find out more.
What is 'Escape from the Golden Hinde'?
It's an Escape Game on a historic ship in the centre of London!
The Golden Hinde is a perfect reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world in the 1570s. It is haunted by ghosts from that journey.
The reconstructed ship also sailed around the world in the 1970s. Ghosts from that period also dwell on the ship.
So, the ship holds an unhappy mix of spirits - like a dodgy Rum Mojito. (Which, legend has it, was invented by Drake.)
You will be locked on the ship with these ghosts. You will have 60 minutes to escape.
You'll also learn some history. But don't let that stop you.
What if I don't escape in time?
The ship will sink, and you will be lost forever in the murky depths of the river Thames.
What does it cost?
The full price for 'Escape from the Golden Hinde' is £48 per person.
But most days have big discounts at popular times. See our OFFERS page.
While we're working on a game tailored for youngsters, children under 10 are welcome to play the adult version for free (maximum of 2 per crew, minimum age of 4). There must be at least three paying guests per crew and one of them must be over sixteen. Please bring proof of ages.
You can pay by Credit or Debit card.
How many can play?
Any group from 3 to 18 people can play. Larger groups split into crews of 6 with staggered start times. Each crew will start around 15 minutes after the previous.
All players should arrive at the same time, however, to have the fun of the briefing together. We'll also keep those that are waiting fully entertained.
If you have a larger group, you could always come to Secret Studio's classic game near Brick Lane, where we can host groups of up to 27 all playing the same game at the same time.
You won't be playing with strangers, but you might see other people on board the ship.
Who can do it?
Most people can play, but it isn't suitable for everyone. Here are a few things to consider.
Ages:
The adult versions of the game are designed for ages 10 upwards, but we've discovered that younger children often have an awesome time!
So while we're working on a game tailored for youngsters, children under 10 are welcome to play the adult version for free (maximum of 2 per crew, minimum age of 4). There must be at least three paying guests per crew and one of them must be over sixteen. Please bring proof of ages.
Language:
All crew members need to be able to understand and read English.
Physical Activity:
There is some mild physical activity, but this needn't stop you coming. You can always ask one of our GamesMasters to come into the room and help. As a guide: if two crew members can lift a medium-sized suitcase between them, then your crew will be fine on its own.
Surprises:
There is the odd surprise! Let us know when you arrive if you really don't like shocks, and we'll tailor the experience.
Accessibility:
The Golden Hinde was designed in an age when accessibility was not given enough priority. There are steep stairs, low ceilings, cramped spaces and trip hazards, as well as low light levels in some areas.
Unfortunately the features of the ship make it inaccessible for wheelchair users.
To solve the mysteries at least one crew member needs reasonably good hearing and one or two members of each team will need to kneel or crouch a couple of times.
There is the odd surprise! Let us know when you arrive if you really don't like shocks, and we'll tailor the experience.
If you would like further information on whether the ship is suitable for you to visit, please email The Golden Hinde directly: [email protected]
Corporate and Team Building.
Our immersive adventures, Escape From The Golden Hinde and Secret Studio offer incredible history-rich environments that are ideal for corporate parties, corporate team building and corporate events. These expriences provide an excellent opportunity for your people to connect and interact meaningfully in order to solve problems - skills which can then be transferred back into their work.
Your team can build relationships, interact collaboratively and feel a sense of achievement in a fun, playful way.
You can read a blow by blow account from one of our corporate clients in our Blog.
For larger events (up to 100 people) we can turn the entire historic ship over to you, providing an absolutely unique party space with catering, drinks and entertainment, including the escape game (see "Mutiny!").
Alternatively, for smaller groups (up to 24 people) Escape From The Golden Hinde offers a unique team building experience. Here's how it works: All players arrive on the ship at the same time, to have the fun of the briefing together. Our deckhands will then split you into crews of 6. Each crew starts the game around 15 minutes after the previous. We'll keep those who are waiting fully entertained with deck games and, if you wish, some complimentary shots of rum. You can book via our bookings page. If there's no availability when you want to come, and you are a group of 15 or more, let us know. We might be able to open especially for you.
You can book your corporate event via our bookings page. If there's no availability when you want to come, and you are a group of 15 or more, let us know. We might be able to open especially for you.
If you are absolutely set on your whole team playing at the same time, you could always come to Secret Studio's classic game near Brick Lane, where we can host groups of up to 27 all playing the same game simultaneously.
Here's what some of our corporate clients say:
"Best retirement outing ever!"
"My colleague was retiring and wanted to do something different and this didn't disappoint! It was funny and brilliant! Really makes you think. Mind your head though!! At first (never having done an escape room before) I was a bit dubious about the getting into pirate character (saluting statues and giving loud "ah-ha's") but by the end of it I was a definite shipmate! Love it. If I didn't know the answers I'd do it again!!"
"Super corporate team building"
"Booked for a corporate team building activity and it was excellent. We had two groups and we were both well looked after. Would recommend to anybody for a team building activity we had such a great time."
"Highly recommended"
"It fully lived up to our expectations. The actors are brilliant and very funny and the hour seemed to whizz by. Would highly recommend for a fun activity with friends, family or work colleagues."
"Just a little note to say a huge thanks for looking after the team so well yesterday. Everyone had such a good time and it created many happy memories for all. We've had a particularly intense few months at the charity so it really was the tonic the team needed. Many thanks again for making everyone so welcome and included."
Can we party ("Mutiny!")?
For a special birthday, a Stag/Hen do or an important corporate event we can turn the entire historic ship over to you, providing an absolutely unique party space with catering, drinks and entertainment, including the escape game. We call this experience Mutiny! for good reason!
Here's how Mutiny! works:
All guests are welcomed aboard by our band of 16th Century sailors. They receive a fun briefing including drinks and deck games, and are split into crews of 6.
Two crews (ie 12 people) will start their games every 20 minutes. Deck games and revelries continue for the crews that are waiting.
About half way through the game, guests will arrive on the lower deck, which will have been converted into a party space with food and drink. All guests can then mingle and explore for as long as they like (within reason). Our sailors will be adding to the fun and answering any questions about the history of the ship.
Crews can then finish the game at their own leisure, or can stay on the party deck.
Use the contact form to get in touch and help us organise your Mutiny!
Will anyone else be on board?
Although you might see other people on the ship, they won't be part of your crew. So you will just be playing with yourselves, so to speak.
How long will it last?
For a group of up to six people the experience will last around 90 minutes, including a short briefing beforehand, and a chat about how it went afterwards.
Larger groups split into crews of six with staggered start times, fifteen minutes apart. So, allow an extra fifteen minutes for each crew of six.
How do I get there?
The Golden Hinde is in the centre of London, right next to London Bridge.
The Golden Hinde
St Mary Overie Dock
Cathedral Street
London, SE1 9DE
Tube:
We are an easy walk form London Bridge, Borough and Monument stations.
Train:
The nearest train stations are London Bridge, Cannon Street, Blackfriars and Waterloo.
Bus:
Any of these will be fine: 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 141, 149, 343, 381, 344, 521, RV1.
River:
London Bridge City Pier and Bankside Pier. Thames Clippers serves both piers.
Bicycle:
This is very easy. There are loads of nearby cycle parking spots.
Car:
If possible, please use public transport as parking in the local area is very restricted. The Golden Hinde is inside the congestion charge zone. Parking is available at Kipling Street, London Bridge. The nearest accessible Blue Badge Holder parking bays are in London Bridge station.
Can I change or cancel my booking?
You can add extra people, up to a maximum of six per timeslot. If you're not sure how many timeslots you've booked, just check your booking confirmation. To add people, just reply to your booking confirmation telling us how many you would like to add.
This is a live experience, so cancellation isn't possible. But we want to be as flexible as we can. If you want to change your booking, let us know by replying to your booking confirmation. We'll try our best to find another customer to take your spot. The more notice we have, the greater the chances! If we do find someone else, we would need to charge £10 for each change, to cover our admin costs. Sorry about that.
Do you have any other games?
Yes we do! Our original adventure, SECRET STUDIO, is London's top escape game on TripAdvisor. We'd love it if you visited us there, and you can get 15% off (see below for details).
You and your friends/family will be locked inside the headquarters of a (fictional) down-at-heel schlock movie production office that hasn't seen a lick of paint since 1979.
You have an hour to solve the puzzles inside the room and unlock the mystery to escape!
The retro technology will delight you along the way - a journey back in time for the younger players ('how did people used to manage in the old days?!') and a trip down memory lane for Mum and Dad (marvel at your teen's attempts at the dial phone!) You work together as a team to try and beat the clock.
There are also spooky scary bits and a few surprises in store... we don't want to say much about these because that would ruin the surprise thing but we can accommodate the jumpy ones among you.
You'll have fun! We can (practically) guarantee it! And that's all we can really tell you for now. That's why it's called SECRET Studio...
When you book Escape From The Golden Hinde, we'll send you a Secret Code that will give you a discount (currently 15%) at Secret Studio, provided you book that game within a month. Unfortunately this can't be combined with any other offer or discount - sorry about that!
Go to escapeintime.co.uk/secretstudiolondon to book.
Are there toilets?
Unfortunately, there are no toilets. In the 16th century people were known to stick their bottom over the side of the ship. But that would raise a few eyebrows in the centre of London. So please go before you arrive, if you see what we mean.
There are toilets nearby in Borough Market.
I've already played, can I come back?
Yes!
There are multiple versions of 'Escape from the Golden Hinde'. You can repeat the same game (which is still fun) or choose a different version. Although the location, theme and some structural elements are the same between these versions, the challenges and puzzles are very different.
What's more, returning players come for free. There just needs to be 4 or more paying players for each free one. Just tell us on the booking form how many returning players there are.
Also, don't forget to play our original adventure: Secret Studio. It's London's top escape game on TripAdvisor. We'd love it if you visited us there.
How accessible is it?
The Golden Hinde was designed in an age when accessibility was not given enough priority. There are steep stairs, low ceilings, cramped spaces and trip hazards, as well as low light levels in some areas.
Unfortunately the features of the ship make it inaccessible for wheelchair users.
To solve the mysteries at least one crew member needs reasonably good hearing and one or two members of each team will need to kneel or crouch a couple of times.
There is some mild physical activity, but this needn't stop you coming. You can always ask one of our GamesMasters to come into the room and help. As a guide: if two crew members can lift a medium-sized suitcase between them, then your crew will be fine on its own.
There is the odd surprise! Let us know when you arrive if you really don't like shocks, and we'll tailor the experience.
Unfortunately, there are no toilets. In the 16th century people were known to stick their bottom over the side of the ship. But that would raise a few eyebrows in the centre of London. So please go before you arrive, if you see what we mean.
There are toilets nearby in Borough Market.
If you would like further information on whether the ship is suitable for you to visit, please email The Golden Hinde directly: [email protected]
Do you do gift vouchers?
We certainly do.
Just send us an email telling us how many players, the name of the recipient and the address you'd like us to send it to (or if it's urgent, we can email you a PDF).
It also helps if you can tell us what the gift is for, so we can personalise the card a bit.
We'll then send you an invoice by email. You can pay this by credit card or bank transfer. Then we'll send a shiny gift-voucher card.
The cost is simply our normal price of £48 per person.
Oh and by the way, the voucher will have no expiry date; we know how annoying it is to finally get round to using that gift, only to discover it ran out last week!
What is Secret Studio?
Secret Studio is an exciting retro-themed mystery escape game! 'I don't know what on earth that means', we hear you say. Well here's what happens…
You and your friends/family are locked inside the headquarters of 'Secret Studio Films', a (fictional) down-at-heel schlock movie production office that hasn't seen a lick of paint since 1979.
You have an hour to solve the puzzles inside the room and unlock the mystery to escape! You'll start by searching, seeing what you can find and how things fit together to make sense.
The retro technology will delight you along the way - a journey back in time for the younger players ('how did people used to manage in the old days?!') and a trip down memory lane for Mum and Dad (marvel at your teen's attempts at the dial phone!) You work together as a team to try and beat the clock.
There are also spooky scary bits and a few surprises in store… we don't want to say much about these because that would ruin the surprise thing but we can accommodate the jumpy ones among you - see 'Who can do it?'
You'll have fun! We can (practically) guarantee it! And that's all we can really tell you for now. That's why it's called SECRET Studio…
What does it cost?
Secret Studio costs £38 per person, but remember to check out our OFFERS page.
You can pay by Credit or Debit card.
You need at least 3 people to play the game.
Who can do it?
Most people can experience Secret Studio.
Children aged fourteen or over are welcome. We do ask that each team has at least one person over sixteen.
All team members need to be able to understand and read English.
There is the odd surprise! Let us know when you arrive if you really don't like shocks, and we'll tailor the experience.
Also tell us if you're claustrophobic; we should be able to make it work for you.
There is no excessively physical activity.
To solve the mysteries at least one team member needs reasonably good eyesight.
Although we play music and effects, audio is not essential to the experience.
We do have wheelchair access, but are only able to accommodate 1-2 wheelchair users at a time. We're very embarrassed about this.
Is it good for team building and corporate events?
Our immersive adventures, Secret Studio and Escape From The Golden Hinde are ideal for corporate parties, corporate team building and corporate events. These experiences provide an excellent opportunity for your people to connect and interact meaningfully in order to solve problems - skills which can then be transferred back into their work.
Your team can build relationships, collaborative effectively, and feel a sense of achievement in a fun, playful way.
At Secret Studio our unique game is duplicated in four rooms, so we can host 27 people all sharing the same experience at the same time. It's even possible to appraise team and individual performances by sitting with the GamesMaster and watching it all unfold on our spycams. This can offer an innovative alternative to traditional assessment centres.
If competitiveness is in your company culture, then we can arrange for the teams to race each other, with as much (or as little) of the competitive element being foregrounded by our GamesMasters as you wish.
You can read a blow by blow account from one of our corporate clients in our Blog.
Alongside the escape game itself, we can also turn the entire venue over to you, providing a charming party space including catering and entertainment. For more details see Can we Party?
Here's what some of our corporate clients say:
"An experience not to be missed!"
"We've had a wonderful experience and so much fun during our company day out at Secret Studio. From the excellent actors, friendly staff, to the rooms decor, the scenario, all the little details they have thought of... the fun little activity turned into a memorable day! A lot of us had never done an escape room game and we loved it. As a small company, being able to book all 3 rooms and turn it into a racing challenge was such a great touch. Highly recommended! we can't wait to try another one of their escape rooms."
"Christmas work-do activity"
"Group of colleagues, varying ages all really enjoyed this immersive escape room. More difficult than others we'd done! Would definitely recommend this one, very well organised."
"Thank you so much to you and your team for yesterday. We had a great time and everyone has been sending such positive messages about the Escape Rooms. It is definitely up there as one of our most successful team activities."
Can we party?
Corporate parties, stag/hen dos and special birthdays can end up feeling a bit 'generic'; crammed in to bland spaces, not given enough time for fun, and a huge list of 'extras' as your reward.
At Secret Studio we turn the entire venue and staff over to you for the entire evening. Alongside the escape game you get an atmospheric and charming party space with flexible catering.
We can also provide DJ, close up magic and stand-up comedy.
We even use the fact that we don't have a license to save you money. We can arrange with our local wine merchant for delivery, serving, and return of any leftover drink. All you need to do is pay their bill. We don't charge any corkage.
If a licensed venue is what you are after, then please do check out our other adventure: Escape From The Golden Hinde.
When the team are not running immersive adventures, we are also a corporate communications company (www.replayfilms.co.uk) so we have substantial event-management experience. This enables us to tailor your Christmas or New Year party in a way that is completely right for you.
Use the contact form to get in touch for more information about planning your event at Secret Studio.
How many can play & how many rooms?
Any group of between 3 and 27 people can play at the same time.
We have 4 rooms all with the same game. Each room is designed for up to 6 players (3 rooms can fit 7 at a squeeze). So larger groups split into teams and race!
Don't worry, nobody else will be in your room(s), so you won't be playing with strangers.
If there's more than 27 of you, you can play consecutively. We'll keep track of your times so it's still a fair race! AND we can arrange for the first group to sit with the GamesMaster and watch on spycam while the second group plays. This is a great laugh. But you will need to think of something for your second group to be doing while the first group plays - they can't watch because it will spoil the surprise!
To book for more than 27 players, let us know on the contact form.
How do I get there?
Secret Studio's exact location is a highly guarded secret. But here's a clue or two…
We're on Wentworth Street, London, E1 7SA, a stone's throw from Brick Lane.
The studio is a few minutes walk from Aldgate East Underground station and on the 15, 25, 67, 115, 135, 205 and 254 bus routes.
Don't worry, once you've booked we'll give you a fighting chance of finding us.
How long will it last?
The Secret Studio experience will last around 90 minutes, including a short briefing beforehand, and a chat about how it went afterwards.
You'll have 60 minutes to solve the Studio's mysteries and escape. It's not easy. Less than 50 percent of people escape in the time. If you're close and we're feeling generous, we might give you a few extra minutes. Otherwise, you'll just have to come back (we're sure you'll want to). We'll give you a bit of a discount second time round, but be warned: we mix things up a bit when you return.
Can I change or cancel my booking?
You can add extra people, but there's a maximum of six per room (seven with a bit of a squeeze). If you're not sure how many rooms you've booked, just check your booking confirmation.
To add people, just reply to your booking confirmation telling us how many you would like to add.
This is a live experience, so cancellation isn't possible. But we want to be as flexible as we can. If you want to change your booking, let us know by replying to your booking confirmation. We'll try our best to find another customer to take your game. The more notice we have, the greater the chances! We need to charge £10 for each change, to cover our admin costs. Sorry about that.
Will anyone else be in the room?
No. Only your group will be in the room(s). So you will just be playing with yourselves, so to speak.
Is it scary?
Secret Studio is haunted, so there are a few surprises. If you really don't like shocks, ask your GamesMaster for a Joker Card when you arrive. This will allow you to avoid the scarey bits. But the Joker Card contains spoilers, so only ask for it if you really are apprehensive.
I've already played, can I come back?
Returning players who bring friends come for free! There just need to be 3 or more paying players for each free one. Just tell us on the booking form how many returning players there are.
SPOILER ALERT! Don't read any further if you haven't visited Secret Studio, otherwise you will see things that might spoil some of the fun.
Although the story and structure of the game is the same as when you played, we shake things up a bit for returning players and change some of the clues and puzzles. The only thing to bear in mind is the importance of not giving spoilers to the rest of your group during the bits that you are familiar with.
If you fancy, you can also become a central part of the game's grand finale, adding to the surprise element for your friends. We need to do a bit of secret planning with you to enable this, so best to book at least a week in advance if you do want to be part of the finale.
If you don't want to play again, then you can sit outside with the GamesMaster and watch your friends go through on a spycam. You can also suggest personalised clues and jokes to the GamesMaster. This is a great laugh. If you want to go for this option, just book for the people who will actually be playing and send us an email after you've booked to say some people want to watch. We'll then warn the GamesMaster that you are planning to do this.
How accessible is it?
We do have wheelchair access, but are only able to accommodate 1-2 wheelchair users at a time. We're very embarrassed about this.
There is no excessively physical activity.
To solve the mysteries at least one team member needs reasonably good eyesight.
Although we play music and effects, audio is not essential to the experience.
There is the odd surprise! Let us know when you arrive if you really don't like shocks, and we'll tailor the experience.
Tell us if you're claustrophobic; we should be able to make it work for you.
Do you have any other games?
Yes we do! ESCAPE FROM THE GOLDEN HINDE is a submersive theatrical adventure on board a real pirate ship. We'd love it if you visited us there, and you can get 15% off (see below for details).
The Golden Hinde is a perfect reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake sailed around the world in the 1570s.
The reconstructed ship also sailed around the world in the 1970s.
It is haunted by ghosts from both journeys. So, the ship holds an unhappy mix of spirits - like a dodgy Rum Mojito. (Which, legend has it, was invented by Drake.)
You will be locked on the ship with these ghosts. You will have 60 minutes to escape.
You'll also learn some history. But don't let that stop you.
Go to escapeintime.co.uk/goldenhinde to book.
When you book Secret Studio, we'll send you a Secret Code that will give you a discount (currently 15%) at Escape From The Golden Hinde, provided you book that game within a month. Unfortunately this can't be combined with any other offer or discount - sorry about that!
Do you do gift vouchers?
We certainly do.
Just send us an email telling us how many players, the name of the recipient and the address you'd like us to send it to (or if it's urgent, we can email you a PDF).
It also helps if you can tell us what the gift is for, so we can personalise the card a bit.
We'll then send you an invoice by email. You can pay this by credit card or PayPal account. Then we'll send a shiny gift-voucher card.
The cost is simply our normal price of £38 per person.
Oh and by the way, the voucher will have no expiry date; we know how annoying it is to finally get round to using that gift, only to discover it ran out last week!
What is The Emerald Phantom?
The Emerald Phantom is Secret Studio's new game! You'll step into our star's dressing room to uncover just what has been going on during our latest film shoot. You'll have an hour to sneak behind the scenes and work out what - or who - the Emerald Phantom really is.
We're offering our latest experience at half price (£19 per person) until we're out of our growing pains. All we ask is that you spend five minutes telling us what you thought afterwards.